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Ch.9 Solutions
Chapter 9, Problem 58

Nalorphine, a relative of morphine, is used to combat withdrawal symptoms in heroin users. How many milliliters of a 0.40% (m/v) solution of nalorphine must be injected to obtain a dose of 1.5 mg?

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1
Identify the concentration of the nalorphine solution, which is given as 0.40% (m/v). This means there are 0.40 grams of nalorphine in 100 milliliters of solution.
Convert the desired dose from milligrams to grams. Since 1 mg = 0.001 g, convert 1.5 mg to grams.
Set up a proportion to find the volume of solution needed. Use the relationship: (mass of nalorphine in grams) / (volume of solution in mL) = (0.40 g) / (100 mL).
Substitute the mass of nalorphine (in grams) you need into the proportion and solve for the volume of solution (in mL).
Calculate the volume of solution required by solving the proportion for the unknown volume.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Concentration (m/v)

Concentration by mass/volume (m/v) is a way to express the amount of solute in a solution. It is calculated as the mass of the solute (in grams) per 100 mL of solution. In this case, a 0.40% (m/v) solution means there are 0.40 grams of nalorphine in 100 mL of solution, which is essential for determining how much solution is needed to achieve a specific dose.
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Dosage Calculation

Dosage calculation involves determining the volume of a solution required to deliver a specific amount of active ingredient. To find the volume needed for a dose of 1.5 mg of nalorphine from a 0.40% solution, one must convert the dose into grams and then use the concentration to find the corresponding volume. This is a critical step in ensuring accurate medication administration.
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Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting one unit of measurement to another, which is often necessary in pharmacology. In this scenario, converting milligrams to grams (1.5 mg = 0.0015 g) is essential for aligning the dosage with the concentration expressed in grams per 100 mL. Mastery of unit conversion is vital for accurate calculations in medical dosing.
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